13 Apr 04
GT - 1998cc, 158bhp (154bhp from July '92), four cylinders; GT4 - 1998cc, 201bhp, turbo, four cylinders
£1500-£5000
Neglect and missed servicing, accident damage, blown turbo on GT4, blown catalytic converter, electrical problems, suspension damage, raced/rallied GT4s
Although larger and heavier than its predecessor, and not quite as sharp, the fifth-generation Celica is still regarded as a credible performance coupe, whereas its successor (1994-99) lost the edge, becoming too bloated and middle-aged. The Mk 5 is also much better looking than the twin-headlamped Mk 6, and still looks modern and stylish, if a little low-key.
The GT 2.0-litre models came with manual or automatic transmission, and while they're hardly blindingly fast, they're more than competent and entertaining enough, with taut suspension and communicative steering. Standard kit includes ABS, alloy wheels, an electric sunroof and electric windows; an automatic gearbox was optional on this version. They were revised in July '92 when they received a catalytic converter (already standard on the GT4), improved front disc brakes, slightly modified suspension and larger alloy wheels. More desirable is the GT4: this rally-bred, turbo-charged four-wheel-drive model is as fun as many would-be supercars, at a fraction of the price.
Unlike many cynically-marketed production vehicles that bear little resemblance to their competition namesakes, the road-going Celica GT4 is not that dissimilar to the version that was successful in the World Rally Championship. With the addition of air-conditioning and a posh interior, of course. To make the rally connection clear, Toyota released a 'Carlos Sainz' edition of 440 GT4s named after the works driver who took a number of WRC crowns. These have special decals and styling details, and tend to fetch more than the anonymous versions. Thank Sainz, too, for his effect on the Celica's image - this is what makes this car a cut above the Nissan 200SX/Silvia, Honda Prelude and so on.
Beware, however, previous owners who got carried away with their 'rally cars'; many GT4s have been thrashed and trashed on the amateur competition circuit, and not necessarily properly repaired or maintained. Go for a professional inspection if buying; although Toyota makes superbly reliable vehicles, the Celica is not so bombproof that it can withstand sustained abuse and/or neglect, and the GT4 is surprisingly fragile.
